Alabama Revamps Sorority Rules Amid Racism Claims

The University of Alabama is ordering changes in its sorority system amid charges of racism.

Michelle Lepianka Carter / AP

The University of Alabama is ordering changes in its sorority system amid charges of racism in the Greek-letter organizations.

A spokeswoman says President Judy Bonner is requiring the groups to begin using a recruitment process where new members can be added at any time.

The change was announced Monday. It follows reports by the student newspaper, The Crimson White, detailing allegations that alumnae of some all-white sororities were blocking the chapters from adding black students as new members.

The Faculty Senate scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to consider a statement asking administrators to take further steps.

Claims of racism are marring a year in which the university is trying to show racial progress in the 50 years since then-Gov. George Wallace's "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door" blocking integration at Alabama.

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Representatives of three sororities say they're investigating their recruitment process at the University of Alabama after some groups were accused of rejecting two potential members because they're black.

WTVM-TV reported Thursday that Pi Beta Phi sorority, Chi Omega and Alpha Gamma Delta released statements saying their organizations are investigating after the UA student newspaper, The Crimson White, reported members of two sororities were looking to vote on African-American candidates but were blocked from doing so by alumni members.